Mr. Porter. An online store for guys. The site looks classy and visually resembles the pages of a GQ magazine. The collection is extensive and categorized neatly into sections. You’ll not only find your favourite gear but also helpful tips and advice on all sartorial matters. There’s even a “Wardrobe Manager” option. It’s that simple.
The recent news of Shah Rukh’s detention at the Newark airport for 2 hours because his name is ‘Khan’ is all over the news and goes out to prove the obvious:
1. Racism is still a big problem.
2. Americans (not all) need instructions to open a can of soup.
3. Being a ‘coloured’ human or having a last name of a particular race and ethnicity can get you in trouble (for no reason).
The sinking economy of the US on one hand invites Bollywood to come and shoot movies in their cities in order to promote tourism. And on the other hand they treat our industry folks (guests) in such an embarrassing manner.
It’s also true that many others – diplomats, ex-president of India, other Bollywood stars – have had to face a similar kind of treatment. For example: our ex-president, Mr. Kalam was frisked by an airline staff before boarding a flight to the US.
Our very own Indian spinner Bhajji can’t figure out what the fuss is all about – “I get frisked and checked all the time.”
The news of SRK has the Indian officials so infuriated that a “tit-for-tat” should be done for all Americans coming into India.
How would Americans feel if Obama or Clinton arrive at the airport in India, they are stripped search, and asked to name people they know from India, and also are not be allowed to make phone calls for at least 2 hours. Oh, and, by the way, an apology can be mailed or sent after the whole ordeal is over.
Some US officials are calling the situation as a ‘cultural mismatch,’ where the Indian rich and powerful are known to get out of tight spots by dropping names.
Although such incidents are very common, their isn’t much one can do. And such displays will continue till proper action is taken.
As readers – What do you think about the situation? And how can we counter it in the future?
Read the story: Times of India, Economic Times
Off late, I find myself constantly humming to MJ’s songs, and without surprise, so is the rest of the world. Record sales have gone through the roof, post MJ’s death. Fans across the globe have gone into an inconsolable frenzy as their long cherished idol has left them.
Albums such as Thriller, Bad and Off the Wall featured in the top 15 slots on Amazon.com as best-selling albums. Even Apple reported a magnum demand for MJ’s music, making it one the highest downloaded artist.
Read more on this here. See Amazon.
A fact: MJ’s music, dance and style will remain unabashed forever. That’s that. Simple.
The news and speculations around MJ created this mysterious second character, which seemed to molest children, take drugs and etcetera etcetera. From the beginning, I found this to be all a bit far-fetched and baloney.
For example: MJ was accused of molesting Jordan Chandler, a child who visited Neverland.
See Jordan Chandler.
The truth finally comes to shut-up the unpalatable media, who I feel is in someway responsible for MJ’s sad end.
Jordan Chandler finally lets out the most obvious secret – “MJ never did do anything. My mom and dad made me say all those things.”
Bloody money mongers.
It seems the reclusive and shy star could never cope with the stress of the tantamount trial and media parasite-like scoops that went on forever. And we, the fans, fueled such a heinous propaganda. The entire episode was a parasite, without which MJ could’ve been still alive.
Will miss him. God bless his soul.
Readers: What do you think caused MJ’s depressed like state during his last days?
(I’m sure there are many points which are not mentioned in this post, please feel free to add them in the comments.)
Michael Jackson is no more. You can pay your tribute here.
When the news arrived I immediately opened Google – 193,000,000 results popped up, and on Youtube – 34,407,010 views. Fans around the globe are grief stricken – the world will never be the same.
From his signature moon walk, white glove, black loafers, military style of dress, to his music that moved our very core. The MJ movement will continue in our hearts and minds.
Only recently I was talking with an old friend, and the subject of MJ popped up. It turns out this friend has been a die hard fan ever since. Here’s a short snippet from the conversation.
“Hey! Was looking for a piece on MJ on your site… Are you not a fan? You’ve not written anything yet. Hoping to see something.”
-”I am currently working it out. You’ll see something soon.”
And this is where it all begins. Nostalgia hits. My friend tells me about all those MJ momments.
“I remember me and my brother saved every penny to buy his albums. And later practised his dance moves together and with friends.”
(That reminded me of the days when I used to pour powder on the floor and practise the moon walk. I’m sure the moon walk could possibly be the most practised dance move across the world.)
Conversation continues…
”At the time when MJ came to Mumbai, I was 8 and in town. I went down to the airport and his hotel – Taj – to catch a glimpse. He was surrounded by security, but I managed a peak.”
“He even wrote something on the mirror before leaving.”
-”You remember all this?”
“Yes! As if it happened yesterday.”
“I just bought a Michael Jackson collector’s set from Amazon.”
-”You really loved him…”
From the above conversation I was sure of one thing – MJ fans are one of its kind. You’d be hard pressed to find a cult (Wait. You will not find anything that even comes close.), a following so strong, religion like behaviour, for any other icon to have survived on earth.
For fans, he will remain immortal.
Although MJ had attracted contrversies throughtout the span of his career, the child molestation cases were the most illicit and shocking. Most of us including me think that he was framed. The media made millions. But, his fans stuck by him.
MJ saw the worst, the best, and finally during his end, the worst again. Reports of his weak body, balding scalp, minimalistic diet, drug overdose were all due to the loneliness that surrounded him. His mental state must have been unimaginable.
Now that he is gone, he will remain within our hearts forever.
Part 2 – Coming Soon
